VAR debate continues: Hoeneß rails against video evidence | OneFootball

Uli Hoeneß has once again spoken out – this time his criticism is directed at the Video Assistant Referee. The honorary president of FC Bayern does not see the modern technology as an aid, but rather as a problem for the referees

The discussion about the VAR has been picking up speed again in the Bundesliga for weeks. Controversial decisions, long interruptions and a lack of clarity regularly cause displeasure – including at FC Bayern. Now Hoeneß has taken a public stance and adopted a clear position

For the long-time Bayern man, one thing is particularly important: in his view, the referees themselves are unfairly criticized

He emphasized that the quality of the referees has by no means diminished. Rather, it is the introduction of the video assistant referee that has made the work on the pitch more complicated. „I don’t believe that the referees have become worse,“ Hoeneß explained and at the same time provided his reasoning: The VAR creates additional uncertainty and massively increases the pressure on the referees

„No advantage with three centimeters“

Hoeneß is particularly critical of the current interpretation of offside decisions. For him, the assessment of minimal situations contradicts the original idea of video evidence. „If someone is two meters offside, then it must be prevented. But if someone is three centimetres offside, that is not an advantage,“ the 74-year-old explained

Hoeneß thus addresses a central point of criticism from many officials and fans: the lack of proportionality in close decisions

Pressure on referees is growing

Another aspect of his criticism relates to public perception, with the VAR making mistakes more, not less, the subject of discussion – with a direct impact on referees

Hoeneß described how great the pressure is now. Week after week, the referees have to make decisions that are subsequently analyzed down to the smallest detail. The result: increasing uncertainty and harsh criticism from outside

His conclusion is clear: it is not the referees who are the problem, but the way in which VAR is currently used

Hoeneß thus joins a growing number of voices calling for a reform or at least an adjustment of the system. The debate is likely to continue to accompany FC Bayern and the entire Bundesliga in the coming weeks.